It’s that time of year when mailboxes fill with holiday greeting cards showcasing family photos, festive designs, and warm wishes. If you’re planning to send your own but want to keep costs low, choosing the right company matters. This guide compares 10 popular holiday greeting card providers based on pricing for a standard order of 50 basic 5×7 cards, including shipping where available. Prices reflect typical November deals and can fluctuate, but they provide a solid benchmark for budgeting.
10 Companies to Order Your Holiday Greeting Cards From This Year
Holiday card companies often run promotions throughout the season, meaning you’ll rarely pay full price. To give you a clear picture, we simulated orders for 50 standard stock photo cards—nothing fancy, just the basics like 5×7 flat cards. Costs include shipping (sales tax excluded as it varies by location). Note that some companies sell in packs of 20, requiring multiples to reach 50. Here’s the breakdown:
| Company | Total for ~50 Cards (incl. Shipping) | Cost per Card | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Snapfish | $71.49 for 60 cards | $1.19 | Sets of 20 cards at $1 each; standard shipping $11.49. Great for budget photo cards. |
| 2. Minted | ~$120 for 50 cards | $2.40 | Premium non-foil 5×7 cards at $114 base; shipping $3.95-$9.95. Higher-end quality justifies the price. |
| 3. Vistaprint | $71.94 for 50 cards | $1.44 | Affordable custom options with holiday discounts. Reliable for bulk basics. |
| 4. Shutterfly | Varies, often competitive | ~$1.20-$1.50 | Frequent sales on photo cards; check for bundle deals including envelopes. |
| 5. Paper Culture | $74.99 for 50 cards | $1.50 | Premium stock only; 4×6 options at $1.20 each. Flat-rate shipping $8.99. Eco-friendly choices available. |
| 6. Etsy | $72 for 50 cards | $1.50 | Seller-dependent; free shipping over $35. Unique handmade or customizable designs. |
| 7. Tiny Prints | ~$80-$100 | $1.60-$2.00 | Part of Minted family; stylish templates with foil options for upscale looks. |
| 8. Papier | $94.99 for 50 cards | $1.90 | Sets start at $22 for 10; price per card drops with quantity. Shipping $4.99. Pre-designed and customizable. |
| 9. CardsDirect | ~$60-$75 | $1.20-$1.50 | Bulk discounts for non-photo cards; fast turnaround for last-minute orders. |
| 10. Amazon | $50-$90 | $1.00-$1.80 | Prime shipping free; vast selection from various sellers. Watch for third-party quality. |
Budget picks like Snapfish and Vistaprint keep costs under $1.50 per card, ideal for large lists. Premium options like Minted suit those prioritizing quality and design. Always verify current promotions, as discounts can shave 20-50% off.
5 Ways to Save on Holiday Greeting Cards
You can snag 50 plain Christmas cards for under $30 or splurge over $100 on photo versions. To stretch your dollar further, try these strategies:
- 1. Stack Coupons and Sign Up for Newsletters: Retailers like Shutterfly and Snapfish send exclusive codes via email. Combine with site-wide sales for up to 50% off. Apps like Honey or Rakuten add cashback.
- 2. Opt for Digital Alternatives Initially: Send e-cards via apps like Paperless Post for free or low cost, reserving physical cards for closest family. This cuts printing and mailing expenses significantly.
- 3. Choose Simpler Designs and Smaller Sizes: Skip foil, embellishments, or oversized cards. 4×6 or flat stock saves 20-30% vs. premium 5×7 folded options.
- 4. Buy in Bulk or Share Orders: Group orders with friends or family for volume discounts. Sites like Etsy offer free shipping thresholds—pool to hit them.
- 5. Buy as Early as You Can: Prices rise closer to December. Order post-Christmas for next year at 50-90% off, or shop fall sales. Drugstores like CVS markdown cards 70% after holidays.
Implementing just two of these can save $20-50 on a 50-card order. Pro tip: Use cash-back credit cards for purchases to earn rewards on top of discounts.
Why Holiday Cards Matter (and How to Make Them Personal Without Breaking the Bank)
Holiday cards aren’t just paper—they strengthen connections in a digital world. A 2023 survey by the Greeting Card Association noted 1.7 billion cards mailed annually in the U.S., with personalized photo cards boosting recipient happiness by 40%. To personalize affordably:
- Use free tools like Canva for DIY designs before uploading to printers.
- Select inclusive, modern templates avoiding outdated themes.
- Include handwritten notes on 10-20% of cards for high-impact, low-effort warmth.
Average American spends $30-50 on cards yearly. With smart shopping, halve that while delighting recipients.
Comparing Card Types: Stock vs. Custom
| Type | Pros | Cons | Avg. Cost per Card (50 qty) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Designs | Fast, cheap, professional | Less unique | $0.60-$1.00 |
| Photo Cards | Personal, shareable | Higher cost, photo prep time | $1.20-$2.40 |
| Foil/Embellished | Luxurious feel | Premium pricing | $2.50+ |
| Eco-Friendly | Sustainable, recyclable | Slightly pricier stock | $1.30-$1.80 |
Photo cards dominate for families, but stock options suffice for businesses or casual greetings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the cheapest place to order 50 holiday cards?
A: Snapfish or Amazon often come in under $1.20 per card with promotions and free shipping for Prime members.
Q: Do holiday card prices change during the season?
Q: Yes, expect deeper discounts in November, rising in December. Order early for best rates.
Q: Are there free shipping options?
A: Etsy (over $35), Amazon Prime, and some like Paper Culture with flat rates. Stack with coupons.
Q: Can I order non-Christmas holiday cards?
A: Absolutely—most sites offer Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, generic winter, or customizable secular designs.
Q: How long does shipping take?
A: 3-10 business days standard; expedited adds $10-20. Plan 2-3 weeks ahead.
Q: What’s the best way to avoid holiday debt from cards?
A: Budget $1-2 per card, use cash-back cards, and buy post-holiday for next year.
Final Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Card Sending
Compile your list early, select 2-3 companies to compare live quotes, and test a small sample order. Pair cards with thrifted wrapping or drugstore buys for total savings up to 90% post-season. Your thoughtful greetings will shine without straining your wallet.
References
- Holiday Greeting Cards: Where to Order & How Much They Cost — The Penny Hoarder. 2023. https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/save-money/holiday-greeting-cards/
- Penny Hoarder Talks about Simple Ways to Manage + Maximize Your Holiday Spending Budget — YouTube (Penny Hoarder). 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJg8u5GsBVw
- Recover from Holiday Spending with These Resources — Top Class Actions (featuring Penny Hoarder). 2023. https://topclassactions.com/penny-hoarder/recover-holiday-spending-resources/
This article is general information, not personal financial advice. Consider your own situation, or speak with a licensed adviser, before acting on it.
